Omaha’s Not-for-Profit Health Care Delivery Organizations Band Together to Support End-of-Life Care

Release Date: 02/16/2007

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Unanimous Board of Director Vote Grants The Nebraska Medical Center to Share Equal Sponsorship of the Hospice House-The Josie Harper Residence together with Alegent Health, Nebraska Methodist Hospital and the Visiting Nurse Association of the Midlands

Omaha, Neb. - End-of-life care in Omaha is now receiving support from four not-for-profit health care delivery organizations in the metro area with the addition of The Nebraska Medical Center. The Hospice House-The Josie Harper Residence Board of Directors recently voted unanimously to allow The Nebraska Medical Center to share equal partnership with the existing partners of Alegent Health, Nebraska Methodist Hospital and the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of the Midlands.

“We are excited to have The Nebraska Medical Center join the existing partners in their efforts to support and further develop the Hospice House-The Josie Harper Residence,” said Debra Romberger M.D., board chair of the Hospice House. “The Hospice House offers patients and their loved ones the highest quality end-of-life care when being at home is no longer an option. This unique venture brings all of these partners together for one cause and is a wonderful asset to Omaha and the people who live here.”

"Dealing with a terminal illness takes a tremendous toll on patients and their families. Hospice House offers the care, reassurance and compassion that they so desperately need during this difficult time," said Theresa Franco, executive director of cancer care at The Nebraska Medical Center. "We are honored to join this partnership and help guide Hospice House - The Josie Harper Residence in serving such a vital need within our community."

Hospice care is an end-of-life alternative offered to patients with a life expectancy of six months or less. It seeks to prevent, relieve, reduce or soothe the symptoms of disease and disorder without effecting a cure and attends closely to the emotional, spiritual and practical needs and goals of patients and their families. Originally, Alegent Health and the VNA partnered to build the 26-bed Josie Harper Residence located at 7415 Cedar Street in 1998, with Nebraska Methodist Hospital coming on board to share in equal partnership in 2002.